Local Cloth is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization dedicated to growing the fiber supply chain in Western North
Carolina and enhancing the lives of those who make their living in fiber
industries. We support a thriving community consisting of farmers, fiber artists, suppliers, designers/sewists, educators, students, and small scale fiber mills.

Our Approach

To raise awareness and appreciation for local plant and animal fiber and fiber art products

To increase access to, and availability of, local textiles and fiber

To strengthen the economic viability of our local creative community and help reinvest in the textile industry

To advocate for new markets, programs and services to add value to local products and create jobs.

Our project began when a small group of fiber enthusiasts envisioned a new way to grow the craft economy of the Western North Carolina region – using economic development strategies traditionally used in 3rd world countries. These two strategies – import substitution and adding value to local products – had been successful in growing a local food movement, and she decided to apply them to fiber.